Big Ten: Duwyce Wilson
Indiana completed its second spring practice on Tuesday, and head coach Kevin Wilson knows his team needs a lot of work. The Hoosiers finished 1-11 and went winless in the Big Ten while playing numerous true freshmen in Wilson's first season. Things can only get better in Year 2, and Wilson recently spoke to ESPN.com about the state of his program and what he hopes to accomplish this offseason:
You played so many freshmen last year, many of whom were not even on campus this time last year. Does that put you ahead a little bit going into spring?
Kevin Wilson: I wouldn't by any means say ahead because, number one, it's their first spring. So they're still trying to figure out what spring is all about. They're doing those offseason workouts, the morning conditioning programs and running. Some of these guys, you're like, "Hey, you've been playing," so you expect them to do really great. Instead they're doing good or fair or whatever. And you're sitting there looking at the kid, and really, he's been here for like seven months.
So we've got to be smart as coaches to realize we're still extremely young, and we've got to continue bringing them along instead of maybe having greater mental and physical expectations than guys are ready to fill right now.
Is there a different attitude or energy in Year 2 now that everyone knows what to expect from you?
KW: Yeah. I don't think it was bad the first year. I just think there's a much better understanding from them to me and me to them. An understanding of the typical day, what I expect as a coach, but also the dynamics of what they're going through as students here. The ebb and flow of Monday through Saturday here.
Your team was competitive at Ohio State late in the year and played Purdue tough in the finale. Did that give you any optimism that things were starting to get better?
KW: Yeah, and that's the disappointing thing. As hard as guys were working, you want to be rewarded with W's, and we were on the wrong side of that stick too much. But if you didn't know anything and just watched us practice down the stretch, you wouldn't have sensed it. There was a much more positive environment and much more potential for better outcomes than we were having. We were a really good practice team, our energy was high and the kids really got in sync with what we were trying to do. The more the young guys played the more comfortable they got.
At the same time, you want to win and we didn't get much of that done at all. It's nice to show that maybe we're not that far away, but ultimately when you're not winning games, you are far away.
Defensively, your numbers were obviously bad. How can that improve this year?
KW: It's the second year in the system and also now for us the second year in the league and understanding it. Maybe we'll tweak some things in the system scheme wise. Subtle things. I don't see any wholesale changes, but just in the leverages of players, situations, when to attack and when to not, how to help people and how to hide people. In the second year, we need to make as much improvement mentally. Broken plays, busted assignments -- that happened way too much. We can't give up the big plays.
We brought in five junior college guys and this spring we have two safeties, two linebackers and a defensive end here right now. They're all going to be in the two-deep. It's only Day 2 and we're not in pads yet, so there's lot of work to do to determine where they'll fall. But it looks like on defense and special teams we'll need them to come through, and I expect them to.
You have starters back at defensive tackle, but what about the defensive end spot and improving your pass rush this season?
KW: Ryan Phillis really played his best from the Ohio State game on. I think he had like nine tackles before that and then 10 at Ohio State, and he played really well against Purdue. Ryan's a guy who showed up the summer of his freshman year and had a broken ankle, and his first workout was when I got here. So he had one spring and then last fall. So he wasn't even a true redshirt freshman. He really came on late, which was good to see.
Bobby Richardson was a freshman we moved to D-line and he really came on strong. Those two guys will be sophomores now. We got a junior college guy [Justin Rayside] who's got speed off the edge. And I really like the background of coach [Jon] Fabris from Georgia. He'll be a nice addition. We had a very good coach there who we lost [Brett Dierson] but we were lucky to have coach Fabris because he brings a great deal of expertise there as well.
Speaking of coaching changes, you also have a new offensive coordinator in Seth Littrell. In what ways will the offense change with him running the show?
KW: I think the change will be in some ways how we're practicing the pass game and some subtle ways. Not the plays that are called but how to run some routes, and some quarterback progressions to bring greater continuity and rhythm to the pass game. I think the plays will look very, very similar and the formations and mindset will be very, very similar, but I think the means will be different.
Coach Littrell is a direct descendant of [Mike] Leach. He worked with him for five years and also worked with [Dana] Holgorsen for five years. So I think we'll be a little cleaner and a little bit more into that type of passing game. The plays will look a lot alike, but the execution, the way they're practiced and the developing of the quarterback and wide receiver position, I'm hoping we'll see some significant gains there.
At quarterback, Tre Roberson really emerged for you midway through last season as a true freshman. How do you see his development continuing?
KW: He's another one of those guys who's been here seven months. Saturday was his first spring practice ever. So there's still a learning curve of getting through it the first time. Coach [Kevin] Johns and coach Littrell will do a nice job of developing him as a passer, and I think he has the skill set to develop into a really solid, strong quarterback. I don't think he's an athlete. I know he can run well, but I think he's a guy who's going to be a complete player and bring some great things to the passing game. And I believe he's going to be a great leader, but he's still young and has a lot of work to do.
How's the state of your receiving corps this spring?
KW: A little thin. Duwyce Wilson is coming off a knee injury. He's healthy but not he's allowed to practice yet, though he's ahead of schedule and looks good. I think we'll see some good things out of Shane Wynn and Kofi Hughes and even Ted Bolser, with the way the passing game will be taught and implemented by Coach Littrell. Ted will be a very nice complement and you'll see him as maybe more of a receiving threat at tight end.
Cody Latimer and Jay McCants were two freshmen who showed some flashes last year, so we've got a bunch of freshman coming back. We've got Nick Stoner, who just set a record in the 4X400 and qualified for the NCAA indoor [championships], so he's a fast kid. It's just a young crowd. But as we go through spring and if guys on their own have a great summer ... Tre can do well but he's not going to do well until he and those those receivers play well for one another.
Stephen Houston came on as your leading rusher last year, and now you finally have some depth at running back. Will you look to spread the ball around more there?
KW: You need to, because they're getting beat up enough there that you can wear a guy out. It's not just games during the season -- you've still got to be a great practice player to play on Saturday, and there's wear and tear from practice. Even when you've got a great back, you need a nice complementary guy. You look at NFL teams, most of them are playing two or three [running backs] and it's the same deal in college.
So now we've got D'Angelo Roberts, we've got Matt Perez back, Isaiah Roundtree is a kid who transferred in and I'm very intrigued by, and then we signed a really good player in Tevin Coleman. Last year, every running back in the spring seemed like they were hurt. This year, it's a little bit better, and we should be in a solid position by fall, we hope.
Finally, you played so many young players and don't have a lot of seniors. How is the leadership on this team?
KW: Every team has leaders, whether they're good or bad. Every is team being led by players in a locker room, by a core group of guys. We've worked really hard this offseason and did a couple neat little things I'm not going to get too detailed about. We've been able to do some team building. We are trying to develop leaders and put our players in charge and take ownership for our actions on the field, off the field, in season out of season, on campus and in the community.
It's been going really pretty good, but once you get some adversity, that's where the leadership is going to come in. We've had about 6-to-8 really good, behind-the-scenes [leaders]. Even though it's young -- we've only got five seniors -- I think it's significantly better than a year ago. I think it's developing. But I'm really looking forward to seeing when we get a bump in the road, do we have great, positive leadership. I won't know that until we get a couple hiccups and see how we respond.
You played so many freshmen last year, many of whom were not even on campus this time last year. Does that put you ahead a little bit going into spring?
[+] Enlarge
Greg Bartram/US PresswireIndiana coach Kevin Wilson is hoping to improve on last season's 1-11 campaign.
Greg Bartram/US PresswireIndiana coach Kevin Wilson is hoping to improve on last season's 1-11 campaign.So we've got to be smart as coaches to realize we're still extremely young, and we've got to continue bringing them along instead of maybe having greater mental and physical expectations than guys are ready to fill right now.
Is there a different attitude or energy in Year 2 now that everyone knows what to expect from you?
KW: Yeah. I don't think it was bad the first year. I just think there's a much better understanding from them to me and me to them. An understanding of the typical day, what I expect as a coach, but also the dynamics of what they're going through as students here. The ebb and flow of Monday through Saturday here.
Your team was competitive at Ohio State late in the year and played Purdue tough in the finale. Did that give you any optimism that things were starting to get better?
KW: Yeah, and that's the disappointing thing. As hard as guys were working, you want to be rewarded with W's, and we were on the wrong side of that stick too much. But if you didn't know anything and just watched us practice down the stretch, you wouldn't have sensed it. There was a much more positive environment and much more potential for better outcomes than we were having. We were a really good practice team, our energy was high and the kids really got in sync with what we were trying to do. The more the young guys played the more comfortable they got.
At the same time, you want to win and we didn't get much of that done at all. It's nice to show that maybe we're not that far away, but ultimately when you're not winning games, you are far away.
Defensively, your numbers were obviously bad. How can that improve this year?
KW: It's the second year in the system and also now for us the second year in the league and understanding it. Maybe we'll tweak some things in the system scheme wise. Subtle things. I don't see any wholesale changes, but just in the leverages of players, situations, when to attack and when to not, how to help people and how to hide people. In the second year, we need to make as much improvement mentally. Broken plays, busted assignments -- that happened way too much. We can't give up the big plays.
We brought in five junior college guys and this spring we have two safeties, two linebackers and a defensive end here right now. They're all going to be in the two-deep. It's only Day 2 and we're not in pads yet, so there's lot of work to do to determine where they'll fall. But it looks like on defense and special teams we'll need them to come through, and I expect them to.
You have starters back at defensive tackle, but what about the defensive end spot and improving your pass rush this season?
KW: Ryan Phillis really played his best from the Ohio State game on. I think he had like nine tackles before that and then 10 at Ohio State, and he played really well against Purdue. Ryan's a guy who showed up the summer of his freshman year and had a broken ankle, and his first workout was when I got here. So he had one spring and then last fall. So he wasn't even a true redshirt freshman. He really came on late, which was good to see.
Bobby Richardson was a freshman we moved to D-line and he really came on strong. Those two guys will be sophomores now. We got a junior college guy [Justin Rayside] who's got speed off the edge. And I really like the background of coach [Jon] Fabris from Georgia. He'll be a nice addition. We had a very good coach there who we lost [Brett Dierson] but we were lucky to have coach Fabris because he brings a great deal of expertise there as well.
Speaking of coaching changes, you also have a new offensive coordinator in Seth Littrell. In what ways will the offense change with him running the show?
KW: I think the change will be in some ways how we're practicing the pass game and some subtle ways. Not the plays that are called but how to run some routes, and some quarterback progressions to bring greater continuity and rhythm to the pass game. I think the plays will look very, very similar and the formations and mindset will be very, very similar, but I think the means will be different.
Coach Littrell is a direct descendant of [Mike] Leach. He worked with him for five years and also worked with [Dana] Holgorsen for five years. So I think we'll be a little cleaner and a little bit more into that type of passing game. The plays will look a lot alike, but the execution, the way they're practiced and the developing of the quarterback and wide receiver position, I'm hoping we'll see some significant gains there.
At quarterback, Tre Roberson really emerged for you midway through last season as a true freshman. How do you see his development continuing?
KW: He's another one of those guys who's been here seven months. Saturday was his first spring practice ever. So there's still a learning curve of getting through it the first time. Coach [Kevin] Johns and coach Littrell will do a nice job of developing him as a passer, and I think he has the skill set to develop into a really solid, strong quarterback. I don't think he's an athlete. I know he can run well, but I think he's a guy who's going to be a complete player and bring some great things to the passing game. And I believe he's going to be a great leader, but he's still young and has a lot of work to do.
How's the state of your receiving corps this spring?
KW: A little thin. Duwyce Wilson is coming off a knee injury. He's healthy but not he's allowed to practice yet, though he's ahead of schedule and looks good. I think we'll see some good things out of Shane Wynn and Kofi Hughes and even Ted Bolser, with the way the passing game will be taught and implemented by Coach Littrell. Ted will be a very nice complement and you'll see him as maybe more of a receiving threat at tight end.
Cody Latimer and Jay McCants were two freshmen who showed some flashes last year, so we've got a bunch of freshman coming back. We've got Nick Stoner, who just set a record in the 4X400 and qualified for the NCAA indoor [championships], so he's a fast kid. It's just a young crowd. But as we go through spring and if guys on their own have a great summer ... Tre can do well but he's not going to do well until he and those those receivers play well for one another.
Stephen Houston came on as your leading rusher last year, and now you finally have some depth at running back. Will you look to spread the ball around more there?
KW: You need to, because they're getting beat up enough there that you can wear a guy out. It's not just games during the season -- you've still got to be a great practice player to play on Saturday, and there's wear and tear from practice. Even when you've got a great back, you need a nice complementary guy. You look at NFL teams, most of them are playing two or three [running backs] and it's the same deal in college.
So now we've got D'Angelo Roberts, we've got Matt Perez back, Isaiah Roundtree is a kid who transferred in and I'm very intrigued by, and then we signed a really good player in Tevin Coleman. Last year, every running back in the spring seemed like they were hurt. This year, it's a little bit better, and we should be in a solid position by fall, we hope.
Finally, you played so many young players and don't have a lot of seniors. How is the leadership on this team?
KW: Every team has leaders, whether they're good or bad. Every is team being led by players in a locker room, by a core group of guys. We've worked really hard this offseason and did a couple neat little things I'm not going to get too detailed about. We've been able to do some team building. We are trying to develop leaders and put our players in charge and take ownership for our actions on the field, off the field, in season out of season, on campus and in the community.
It's been going really pretty good, but once you get some adversity, that's where the leadership is going to come in. We've had about 6-to-8 really good, behind-the-scenes [leaders]. Even though it's young -- we've only got five seniors -- I think it's significantly better than a year ago. I think it's developing. But I'm really looking forward to seeing when we get a bump in the road, do we have great, positive leadership. I won't know that until we get a couple hiccups and see how we respond.
Unfortunate end for Damarlo Belcher at IU
November, 1, 2011
11/01/11
8:06
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Damarlo Belcher was full of optimism back at Big Ten football media day.
The Indiana senior wide receiver had just been named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award and the Big Ten's players to watch list after leading the league in receptions (78) in 2010. He talked about passing up the NFL draft to stay at IU for his senior season, in large part because he wanted to play in coach Kevin Wilson's receiver-friendly offense. He also looked forward to helping lead a young team through another transition.
But things didn't work out for Belcher, who had only 25 receptions through the first seven games and missed time with a knee injury. Minutes before kickoff against Northwestern on Saturday, Indiana announced Belcher had been suspended for violating team rules.
The team announced Monday in a one-sentence news release that Belcher had been dismissed from the program for the same violation.
Belcher finishes his career with 189 receptions, just two shy of James Hardy's team record.
It's sad to see things end this way for Belcher, a very productive player the past two seasons.
Making matters worse for IU, Wilson said Monday on his radio show that receiver Duwyce Wilson will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury suffered in the Northwestern game. Wilson had 17 receptions for 217 yards this year.
A Hoosiers offense seemingly hitting its stride under freshman quarterback Tre Roberson will be without its top two receivers the rest of the way, beginning Saturday at Ohio State.
The Indiana senior wide receiver had just been named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award and the Big Ten's players to watch list after leading the league in receptions (78) in 2010. He talked about passing up the NFL draft to stay at IU for his senior season, in large part because he wanted to play in coach Kevin Wilson's receiver-friendly offense. He also looked forward to helping lead a young team through another transition.
But things didn't work out for Belcher, who had only 25 receptions through the first seven games and missed time with a knee injury. Minutes before kickoff against Northwestern on Saturday, Indiana announced Belcher had been suspended for violating team rules.
The team announced Monday in a one-sentence news release that Belcher had been dismissed from the program for the same violation.
Belcher finishes his career with 189 receptions, just two shy of James Hardy's team record.
It's sad to see things end this way for Belcher, a very productive player the past two seasons.
Making matters worse for IU, Wilson said Monday on his radio show that receiver Duwyce Wilson will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury suffered in the Northwestern game. Wilson had 17 receptions for 217 yards this year.
A Hoosiers offense seemingly hitting its stride under freshman quarterback Tre Roberson will be without its top two receivers the rest of the way, beginning Saturday at Ohio State.
Two key Indiana starters out for Iowa game
October, 20, 2011
10/20/11
10:45
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Indiana very nearly beat Iowa last year in Bloomington, but Damarlo Belcher dropped a potential game-winning touchdown in the final minute. Unfortunately for Belcher, he probably won't get a chance to make amends this week in Iowa City.
IU coach Kevin Wilson said on Wednesday night that Belcher, the team's leading receiver, likely won't be ready to play after he suffered a knee sprain last week against Wisconsin, the Bloomington Herald reports.
"He’s out there a little bit, but I don’t think he’s going to play,” Wilson told reporters. “He’s halfway jogging-running, but he really hasn’t timed up plays. I’m of the opinion he’s probably not dressing and playing. I guess we can see as we move forward, but to me when a guy hasn’t timed up reps and we have enough other guys, he’s probably out of the mix.”
Indiana is deep at receiver, with players like Kofi Hughes and Duwyce Wilson able to make up for Belcher's production. But Kevin Wilson has criticized the wideouts' play as a whole recently.
The Hoosiers also will likely be without center Will Matte, who has started all 31 games in his career. Matte also is dealing with a knee problem that flared up against the Badgers last week.
"He’s always been reasonably steady with the snap,” Wilson said. “You’re just losing a guy that’s played a couple of years pretty steady. Hopefully he’s just a week or two away.”
Redshirt freshman Collin Rahrig would take over for Matte at center.
This wasn't going to be an easy game for the Hoosiers (1-6, 0-3 Big Ten), and the challenge now looks even more difficult.
IU coach Kevin Wilson said on Wednesday night that Belcher, the team's leading receiver, likely won't be ready to play after he suffered a knee sprain last week against Wisconsin, the Bloomington Herald reports.
"He’s out there a little bit, but I don’t think he’s going to play,” Wilson told reporters. “He’s halfway jogging-running, but he really hasn’t timed up plays. I’m of the opinion he’s probably not dressing and playing. I guess we can see as we move forward, but to me when a guy hasn’t timed up reps and we have enough other guys, he’s probably out of the mix.”
Indiana is deep at receiver, with players like Kofi Hughes and Duwyce Wilson able to make up for Belcher's production. But Kevin Wilson has criticized the wideouts' play as a whole recently.
The Hoosiers also will likely be without center Will Matte, who has started all 31 games in his career. Matte also is dealing with a knee problem that flared up against the Badgers last week.
"He’s always been reasonably steady with the snap,” Wilson said. “You’re just losing a guy that’s played a couple of years pretty steady. Hopefully he’s just a week or two away.”
Redshirt freshman Collin Rahrig would take over for Matte at center.
This wasn't going to be an easy game for the Hoosiers (1-6, 0-3 Big Ten), and the challenge now looks even more difficult.
Dusty Kiel gets start for Indiana at QB
October, 8, 2011
10/08/11
2:30
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Dusty Kiel will start his second consecutive game at quarterback for Indiana today against Illinois.
Ed Wright-Baker, who started Indiana's first four games, is dressed and available after missing last week's loss to Penn State with an ankle injury. Receiver Duwyce Wilson (back) has returned to the starting lineup, and RB D'Angelo Roberts (concussion) is dressed for the game.
Indiana's offense is closer to full strength as it tries to upset the 19th-ranked Illini.
Ed Wright-Baker, who started Indiana's first four games, is dressed and available after missing last week's loss to Penn State with an ankle injury. Receiver Duwyce Wilson (back) has returned to the starting lineup, and RB D'Angelo Roberts (concussion) is dressed for the game.
Indiana's offense is closer to full strength as it tries to upset the 19th-ranked Illini.
Tracking our B1G fantasy teams: Week 5
September, 29, 2011
9/29/11
5:00
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
I don't want to toot my own horn but ... HONK!
OK, I admit I'm enjoying my early run of dominance over Rittenberg in our Big Ten fantasy league. My team, Non-Gingervitis, is 4-0 after four weeks.
Adam's team, The Trombone Shorties, tied for their second-highest point total of the season last week with 110. Russell Wilson (25 points), Marvin McNutt (22) and the Michigan State defense (21) all had big days for Rittenberg.
Ah, but he was again no match for my team, which rolled up 129 points. Denard Robinson (41 points) continues to be my fantasy MVP, while Montee Ball (22) and the Penn State defense (21) also came through.
Lest I get too cocky, though, we still have an entire league season to get through. The sledding gets tougher going forward.
For the fourth straight week, Adam gets the (dis)honor of picking first on the waiver wire since he lost. Be concerned if he picks a receiver from your team. He added Michigan's Junior Hemingway two weeks ago and Indiana's Duwyce Wilson last week, and they combined for a grand total of zero points.
Here are our moves for Week 5:
Adam drops Wisconsin RB James White for Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead
Rationale: Not a knock on White, who I'm sure will now rush for five TDs, but Burkhead has been far too productive to be left on the sideline. One of us needs him, and I'm beating you to it.
Brian drops Michigan State RB Edwin Baker for White
Rationale: I guess losing does have its privileges, as I would have loved to pick up Burkhead. Baker's been disappointing, fantasy-wise, and I'm not sure how well the Spartans will run against Ohio State. So I'll handcuff White to Montee Ball and hope for a big day by the Badgers on the ground Saturday.
Adam drops Iowa WR Marvin McNutt for Penn State WR Derek Moye
Rationale: Iowa is off and McNutt hopefully will be back on the Shorties in a week, but I need points, and Moye should have a big day in Bloomington.
Adam drops Indiana WR Duwyce Wilson for Wisconsin WR Nick Toon
Rationale: Wilson did nothing last week for me, and while I'm a bit leery of Toon going against Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard, the Wisconsin senior is having a big year.
The complete rosters for this week:
THE TROMBONE SHORTIES
QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
RB: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
RB: Silas Redd, Penn State
WR: Derek Moye, Penn State
WR: Nick Toon, Wisconsin
Defense: Michigan State
Kickers: Nebraska
NON-GINGERVITIS
QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: James White, Wisconsin
WR: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Penn State
Kickers: Wisconsin
OK, I admit I'm enjoying my early run of dominance over Rittenberg in our Big Ten fantasy league. My team, Non-Gingervitis, is 4-0 after four weeks.
Adam's team, The Trombone Shorties, tied for their second-highest point total of the season last week with 110. Russell Wilson (25 points), Marvin McNutt (22) and the Michigan State defense (21) all had big days for Rittenberg.
Ah, but he was again no match for my team, which rolled up 129 points. Denard Robinson (41 points) continues to be my fantasy MVP, while Montee Ball (22) and the Penn State defense (21) also came through.
Lest I get too cocky, though, we still have an entire league season to get through. The sledding gets tougher going forward.
For the fourth straight week, Adam gets the (dis)honor of picking first on the waiver wire since he lost. Be concerned if he picks a receiver from your team. He added Michigan's Junior Hemingway two weeks ago and Indiana's Duwyce Wilson last week, and they combined for a grand total of zero points.
Here are our moves for Week 5:
Adam drops Wisconsin RB James White for Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead
Rationale: Not a knock on White, who I'm sure will now rush for five TDs, but Burkhead has been far too productive to be left on the sideline. One of us needs him, and I'm beating you to it.
Brian drops Michigan State RB Edwin Baker for White
Rationale: I guess losing does have its privileges, as I would have loved to pick up Burkhead. Baker's been disappointing, fantasy-wise, and I'm not sure how well the Spartans will run against Ohio State. So I'll handcuff White to Montee Ball and hope for a big day by the Badgers on the ground Saturday.
Adam drops Iowa WR Marvin McNutt for Penn State WR Derek Moye
Rationale: Iowa is off and McNutt hopefully will be back on the Shorties in a week, but I need points, and Moye should have a big day in Bloomington.
Adam drops Indiana WR Duwyce Wilson for Wisconsin WR Nick Toon
Rationale: Wilson did nothing last week for me, and while I'm a bit leery of Toon going against Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard, the Wisconsin senior is having a big year.
The complete rosters for this week:
THE TROMBONE SHORTIES
QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
RB: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
RB: Silas Redd, Penn State
WR: Derek Moye, Penn State
WR: Nick Toon, Wisconsin
Defense: Michigan State
Kickers: Nebraska
NON-GINGERVITIS
QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: James White, Wisconsin
WR: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Penn State
Kickers: Wisconsin
Quite a few email responses from my Penn State poll question earlier this week. Good stuff.
Hope you enjoy the games this weekend.
Harrison G. from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam, firstly, great point about Wisconsin and how they have yet to show their true character when playing from behind. I'm very interested to see how they do when put in a situation like that. My question for you has to do with the Wisconsin run game this year. As a huge Badger fan, I feel like last year the run-game was SO much more efficient compared to this year. Why aren't they getting those consistent 6+ yard gains that they had last year? Is it because of Russell Wilson? The O-line? I'd love to hear your take on this and thanks again.
Adam Rittenberg: Harrison, it's hard to replicate what Wisconsin did offensively last year. You had the perfect storm of a great offensive line and multiple running backs with different skills who made plays and very few mistakes. Now I get your concern about this year, but it's a different team and a slightly different offense with Wilson running the show. I think Wisconsin has wanted to establish Wilson, build his confidence and broaden the ways it can attack a defense because of his skill set. Now I agree the run game needs to be more efficient, especially early in games, but Wilson's presence allows Wisconsin to remain effective -- and scare opposing defenses -- even when it's not piling up big chunks on the ground every time. The Badgers are still averaging 5.6 yards a carry with 11 rushing touchdowns. Yet I agree they'll need a strong effort on the ground next week against Nebraska.
Aaron from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Last year Nebraska played most of its best football on the road in games at Washington, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State while struggling at home to start the season. Is it out of the question to think that we dominate this weekend away from home and that playing at Wisconsin would be more advantageous than playing them in Lincoln?
Adam Rittenberg: While a strong Nebraska performance this week at Wyoming wouldn't surprise me, Aaron, the answer to your second question is a resounding no. Bo Pelini would much rather play Wisconsin in Lincoln, or play his first Big Ten road game anywhere else but Madison, where Wisconsin is 45-4 since the start of the 2004 season. The Badgers are extremely tough to beat at Camp Randall, especially when they have a really good team (which they do this year). But building confidence away from home always means something, and Nebraska can enter the Wisconsin game with some momentum, especially on the defensive side, with a strong performance in Laramie.
Tom from Washington writes: I saw your poll question regarding Penn State and the ACC and I think one thing that is not being discussed is the fact that the Big Ten is not just an athletic conference. The Big Ten was, is, and always will be a research and academic consortium that also aligns its athletics out of convenience. This is why the U of Chicago is still part of the Big Ten consortium even though they have nothing to do with athletics. Keep in mind the rule has always been, once in, always in the Big Ten. Leaving the Big Ten would be akin to divorcing Warren Buffet after signing a PreNup that gives you ten bucks if you leave.
Adam Rittenberg: Tom, you bring up a really good point about the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, the internal academic consortium. It might not mean much to most sports fans, but it means a great deal to the top academic folks in the administrations at these schools. Your Warren Buffet anecdote applies more to the Big Ten Network revenue, which will only increase over time.
Chris from Baltimore writes: Hey Adam, my wife and I will be going to our 30th straight PSU game this weekend and our 41st out of 42 overall games since the start of the 2008 season. Over the past 3 years, the travel has been brutal! As soon as we saw that Pitt and Cuse were joining the ACC on Monday, we were both hoping to see PSU jumping the Big 10 ship to join also. From our travels to 10 of the 12 Big 10 schools, we have found that we have no clear cut rival and we never will. Fans from other schools enjoy watching us come into town, but noone really considers or treats us as a rival. Even our closest opponent OSU, at just a 7 hour travel distance, only considers Michigan their rival. Basically, we are outcasts in this league and our games are uninspiring. We are hoping to find a few more 3 and 4 hour commutes to bigger, more historic matchups in our future and less 10-15 hour trips for interesting, but mostly mundane events. Hope you keep this subject rolling as we know many other Penn Stater's who are interested in being a "Leader" and leaving this 20 year disaster that we call the Big Ten!
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, thanks for sharing your perspective. I understand the geography argument and the desire of many Penn State fans have more rivals and drivable games. Having made the drive from State College to Columbus, I feel your pain. By "bigger, more historic matchups," are you referring to Pitt and Syracuse? Because while those teams have history with Penn State, they don't carry the same prestige as Big Ten teams like Ohio State. I just wonder whether the outcast argument stems from not being as competitive in the Big Ten as you thought Penn State would be when it joined the conference. Michigan owned Penn State before Rich Rodriguez came to Ann Arbor. Iowa has put together an impressive run against the Nittany Lions, and Ohio State has been successful as well. I still think that while the Big Ten has some drawbacks for Penn State, there are obvious pluses, too, especially if Penn State starts consistently winning at a nationally elite level.
Matt from Durham, N.C., writes: As a Penn State Alumn, then having worked professionally in State College for 5 years, and now at Duke for 6 years- I would offer that culturally PSU is a better fit for the Big Ten, than for the ACC. As much as I would love to go a Duke/ UNC/ NC State football game and bleed Blue and White for the Nittany Lions- the basketball competitiveness at PSU is not there. Also, what I stereotype as a football frenzy that lives in the heart of most Midwestern states like PA, MI, OH, IO, MN just does not reside here near 'Tobacco Road' (Sorry Boston College). Can you imagine a Duke / PSU football game at Duke? 110,000 fans fill the stands for a PSU home game, and would likely travel and outnumber some ACC football teams in their own stadium.
Adam Rittenberg: Matt, thanks for sharing this perspective. The football frenzy surrounding Penn State and its home games definitely is much more like what you see at other Big Ten schools than those in the ACC. There still are too many ACC programs where football is practically an afterthought. While some Penn State fans like Chris might not care as much about the road atmosphere as long as it's a closer drive, others would be disappointed. Penn State is located in a different region from the rest of the Big Ten. I get it. That's not going to change. But almost every other aspect of the Penn State programs feels more like a Big Ten program than a Big East or ACC program.
Tyler from Cairo, Neb., writes: Why don't you guys each have a tight end on each of your fantasy teams? You could definitely use the help on your team Adam...
Adam Rittenberg: Tyler, I could use any help right now! The Trombone Shorties have been awful so far. Seriously, though, I strongly considered adding a tight end, probably Wisconsin's Jacob Pedersen, but we only get two spots for receivers and tight ends and I have the top points earner in Iowa's Marvin McNutt. I've struggled at that second receiver spot and hope Indiana's Duwyce Wilson gets it going this week at North Texas. Otherwise, it might be time to take a tight end.
Aaron from Fort Campbell, Ky., writes: I'm an Iowa alum, but I grew up in central PA and my older sister is a PSU alum, so I'm weighing in on your "PSU to the ACC" proposition. I have always thought of the B1G as a different conference from the rest. Yes, it is midwestern, and State College is not, but no team will ever find more stability in the ACC than the B1G. Only two athletic programs have ever left this conference, and they were Chicago and Michigan, and Michigan is obviously back, and Chicago is still a member of the "Academic Big Ten". Teams don't leave the Big Ten. Why? Because there isn't a better place to be. Nebraska didn't agree to join for the next 5-10 years. They joined for as long as the Big Ten exists, and that is exactly what Penn State did 18 years ago. If Penn State were to leave, they would become irrelivent in football, get destroyed in basketball, and not make as much money. Good luck to any fans who think that's a wise decision.
Adam Rittenberg: Aaron, some really good points here. The Big Ten's stability has been a huge part of its success, and with the money rolling in, why would any team consider a move? The risks outweigh the potential rewards. While the ACC is more stable now than before, I could see some of its members willing to pay the higher exit fee to join a league with greater earning potential (Big Ten, SEC). We'll have to see what happens.
Hope you enjoy the games this weekend.
Harrison G. from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam, firstly, great point about Wisconsin and how they have yet to show their true character when playing from behind. I'm very interested to see how they do when put in a situation like that. My question for you has to do with the Wisconsin run game this year. As a huge Badger fan, I feel like last year the run-game was SO much more efficient compared to this year. Why aren't they getting those consistent 6+ yard gains that they had last year? Is it because of Russell Wilson? The O-line? I'd love to hear your take on this and thanks again.
Adam Rittenberg: Harrison, it's hard to replicate what Wisconsin did offensively last year. You had the perfect storm of a great offensive line and multiple running backs with different skills who made plays and very few mistakes. Now I get your concern about this year, but it's a different team and a slightly different offense with Wilson running the show. I think Wisconsin has wanted to establish Wilson, build his confidence and broaden the ways it can attack a defense because of his skill set. Now I agree the run game needs to be more efficient, especially early in games, but Wilson's presence allows Wisconsin to remain effective -- and scare opposing defenses -- even when it's not piling up big chunks on the ground every time. The Badgers are still averaging 5.6 yards a carry with 11 rushing touchdowns. Yet I agree they'll need a strong effort on the ground next week against Nebraska.
Aaron from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Last year Nebraska played most of its best football on the road in games at Washington, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State while struggling at home to start the season. Is it out of the question to think that we dominate this weekend away from home and that playing at Wisconsin would be more advantageous than playing them in Lincoln?
Adam Rittenberg: While a strong Nebraska performance this week at Wyoming wouldn't surprise me, Aaron, the answer to your second question is a resounding no. Bo Pelini would much rather play Wisconsin in Lincoln, or play his first Big Ten road game anywhere else but Madison, where Wisconsin is 45-4 since the start of the 2004 season. The Badgers are extremely tough to beat at Camp Randall, especially when they have a really good team (which they do this year). But building confidence away from home always means something, and Nebraska can enter the Wisconsin game with some momentum, especially on the defensive side, with a strong performance in Laramie.
Tom from Washington writes: I saw your poll question regarding Penn State and the ACC and I think one thing that is not being discussed is the fact that the Big Ten is not just an athletic conference. The Big Ten was, is, and always will be a research and academic consortium that also aligns its athletics out of convenience. This is why the U of Chicago is still part of the Big Ten consortium even though they have nothing to do with athletics. Keep in mind the rule has always been, once in, always in the Big Ten. Leaving the Big Ten would be akin to divorcing Warren Buffet after signing a PreNup that gives you ten bucks if you leave.
Adam Rittenberg: Tom, you bring up a really good point about the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, the internal academic consortium. It might not mean much to most sports fans, but it means a great deal to the top academic folks in the administrations at these schools. Your Warren Buffet anecdote applies more to the Big Ten Network revenue, which will only increase over time.
Chris from Baltimore writes: Hey Adam, my wife and I will be going to our 30th straight PSU game this weekend and our 41st out of 42 overall games since the start of the 2008 season. Over the past 3 years, the travel has been brutal! As soon as we saw that Pitt and Cuse were joining the ACC on Monday, we were both hoping to see PSU jumping the Big 10 ship to join also. From our travels to 10 of the 12 Big 10 schools, we have found that we have no clear cut rival and we never will. Fans from other schools enjoy watching us come into town, but noone really considers or treats us as a rival. Even our closest opponent OSU, at just a 7 hour travel distance, only considers Michigan their rival. Basically, we are outcasts in this league and our games are uninspiring. We are hoping to find a few more 3 and 4 hour commutes to bigger, more historic matchups in our future and less 10-15 hour trips for interesting, but mostly mundane events. Hope you keep this subject rolling as we know many other Penn Stater's who are interested in being a "Leader" and leaving this 20 year disaster that we call the Big Ten!
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, thanks for sharing your perspective. I understand the geography argument and the desire of many Penn State fans have more rivals and drivable games. Having made the drive from State College to Columbus, I feel your pain. By "bigger, more historic matchups," are you referring to Pitt and Syracuse? Because while those teams have history with Penn State, they don't carry the same prestige as Big Ten teams like Ohio State. I just wonder whether the outcast argument stems from not being as competitive in the Big Ten as you thought Penn State would be when it joined the conference. Michigan owned Penn State before Rich Rodriguez came to Ann Arbor. Iowa has put together an impressive run against the Nittany Lions, and Ohio State has been successful as well. I still think that while the Big Ten has some drawbacks for Penn State, there are obvious pluses, too, especially if Penn State starts consistently winning at a nationally elite level.
Matt from Durham, N.C., writes: As a Penn State Alumn, then having worked professionally in State College for 5 years, and now at Duke for 6 years- I would offer that culturally PSU is a better fit for the Big Ten, than for the ACC. As much as I would love to go a Duke/ UNC/ NC State football game and bleed Blue and White for the Nittany Lions- the basketball competitiveness at PSU is not there. Also, what I stereotype as a football frenzy that lives in the heart of most Midwestern states like PA, MI, OH, IO, MN just does not reside here near 'Tobacco Road' (Sorry Boston College). Can you imagine a Duke / PSU football game at Duke? 110,000 fans fill the stands for a PSU home game, and would likely travel and outnumber some ACC football teams in their own stadium.
Adam Rittenberg: Matt, thanks for sharing this perspective. The football frenzy surrounding Penn State and its home games definitely is much more like what you see at other Big Ten schools than those in the ACC. There still are too many ACC programs where football is practically an afterthought. While some Penn State fans like Chris might not care as much about the road atmosphere as long as it's a closer drive, others would be disappointed. Penn State is located in a different region from the rest of the Big Ten. I get it. That's not going to change. But almost every other aspect of the Penn State programs feels more like a Big Ten program than a Big East or ACC program.
Tyler from Cairo, Neb., writes: Why don't you guys each have a tight end on each of your fantasy teams? You could definitely use the help on your team Adam...
Adam Rittenberg: Tyler, I could use any help right now! The Trombone Shorties have been awful so far. Seriously, though, I strongly considered adding a tight end, probably Wisconsin's Jacob Pedersen, but we only get two spots for receivers and tight ends and I have the top points earner in Iowa's Marvin McNutt. I've struggled at that second receiver spot and hope Indiana's Duwyce Wilson gets it going this week at North Texas. Otherwise, it might be time to take a tight end.
Aaron from Fort Campbell, Ky., writes: I'm an Iowa alum, but I grew up in central PA and my older sister is a PSU alum, so I'm weighing in on your "PSU to the ACC" proposition. I have always thought of the B1G as a different conference from the rest. Yes, it is midwestern, and State College is not, but no team will ever find more stability in the ACC than the B1G. Only two athletic programs have ever left this conference, and they were Chicago and Michigan, and Michigan is obviously back, and Chicago is still a member of the "Academic Big Ten". Teams don't leave the Big Ten. Why? Because there isn't a better place to be. Nebraska didn't agree to join for the next 5-10 years. They joined for as long as the Big Ten exists, and that is exactly what Penn State did 18 years ago. If Penn State were to leave, they would become irrelivent in football, get destroyed in basketball, and not make as much money. Good luck to any fans who think that's a wise decision.
Adam Rittenberg: Aaron, some really good points here. The Big Ten's stability has been a huge part of its success, and with the money rolling in, why would any team consider a move? The risks outweigh the potential rewards. While the ACC is more stable now than before, I could see some of its members willing to pay the higher exit fee to join a league with greater earning potential (Big Ten, SEC). We'll have to see what happens.
Tracking our B1G fantasy teams, Week 4
September, 22, 2011
9/22/11
3:30
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
All hail Non-Gingervitis!
Yep, I'm feeling pretty good after three weeks of my fantasy Big Ten football challenge contest against Rittenberg. My team improved to 3-0 this week, but we recognize it's a long season and you've got to take them one game at a time.
The Fightin' Non-Gingers actually had their lowest point total of the season in Week 3 (122) but had the biggest margin of victory all season over Adam's Trombone Shorties, who meekly put up just 87 points in a dispiriting effort.
Who's starring for the undefeated team? Denard Robinson (36 points last week) and Taylor Martinez (28) continue to make me look smart for picking running threats as my quarterbacks. First overall pick Montee Ball (24) is a wrecking ball, too.
Meanwhile, Rittenberg had only one player eclipse 20 fantasy points last week (Russell Wilson). His free-agent pickup of Silas Redd (14) was decent, but grabbing Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway on waivers (zero catches, zero fantasy points vs. Eastern Michigan) was a blunder.
There's still plenty of time for Adam to catch up, and the one benefit to his continued losing is he keeps getting the first choice on pickups each week. Sooner or later, that's got to help him, right?
On to our moves for this week:
Adam drops Iowa RB Marcus Coker for Wisconsin RB James White
Rationale: Dropping White burned me (of course) last week against Northern Illinois. The 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year will put up huge numbers against FCS South Dakota.
Brian drops Indiana WR Damarlo Belcher for Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins
Rationale: Belcher had a nice first week but has been quiet since. Jenkins is off to a great start and should have plenty of opportunities for points this week against a weak Western Michigan defense.
Adam drops Michigan WR Junior Hemingway for Indiana WR Duwyce Wilson
Rationale: Nothing against Hemingway, but his quarterback is too inconsistent as a passer. Wilson, meanwhile, faces the nation's 117th-rated pass defense in North Texas.
Brian drops Nebraska's defense for Penn State's defense
Rationale: The Blackshirts have been disappointing both in real life and in fantasy thus far. I like the way the Nittany Lions are playing defensively and expect a strong performance against Eastern Michigan.
Adam drops Ohio State's defense for Michigan State's defense
Rationale: The Spartans have looked strong on defense, even for portions of last week's loss to Notre Dame. They'll perform well at home against Central Michigan.
Adam drops Michigan State's kickers for Nebraska's kickers
Rationale: Brett Maher has been flawless this season, and he'll have another big night against Wyoming.
The full rosters for Week 4:
THE TROMBONE SHORTIES
QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
RB: James White, Wisconsin
RB: Silas Redd, Penn State
WR: Marvin McNutt, Iowa
WR: Duwyce Wilson, Indiana
Defense: Michigan State
Kickers: Nebraska
NON-GINGERVITIS
QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: Edwin Baker, Michigan State
WR: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Penn State
Kickers: Wisconsin
Yep, I'm feeling pretty good after three weeks of my fantasy Big Ten football challenge contest against Rittenberg. My team improved to 3-0 this week, but we recognize it's a long season and you've got to take them one game at a time.
The Fightin' Non-Gingers actually had their lowest point total of the season in Week 3 (122) but had the biggest margin of victory all season over Adam's Trombone Shorties, who meekly put up just 87 points in a dispiriting effort.
Who's starring for the undefeated team? Denard Robinson (36 points last week) and Taylor Martinez (28) continue to make me look smart for picking running threats as my quarterbacks. First overall pick Montee Ball (24) is a wrecking ball, too.
Meanwhile, Rittenberg had only one player eclipse 20 fantasy points last week (Russell Wilson). His free-agent pickup of Silas Redd (14) was decent, but grabbing Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway on waivers (zero catches, zero fantasy points vs. Eastern Michigan) was a blunder.
There's still plenty of time for Adam to catch up, and the one benefit to his continued losing is he keeps getting the first choice on pickups each week. Sooner or later, that's got to help him, right?
On to our moves for this week:
Adam drops Iowa RB Marcus Coker for Wisconsin RB James White
Rationale: Dropping White burned me (of course) last week against Northern Illinois. The 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year will put up huge numbers against FCS South Dakota.
Brian drops Indiana WR Damarlo Belcher for Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins
Rationale: Belcher had a nice first week but has been quiet since. Jenkins is off to a great start and should have plenty of opportunities for points this week against a weak Western Michigan defense.
Adam drops Michigan WR Junior Hemingway for Indiana WR Duwyce Wilson
Rationale: Nothing against Hemingway, but his quarterback is too inconsistent as a passer. Wilson, meanwhile, faces the nation's 117th-rated pass defense in North Texas.
Brian drops Nebraska's defense for Penn State's defense
Rationale: The Blackshirts have been disappointing both in real life and in fantasy thus far. I like the way the Nittany Lions are playing defensively and expect a strong performance against Eastern Michigan.
Adam drops Ohio State's defense for Michigan State's defense
Rationale: The Spartans have looked strong on defense, even for portions of last week's loss to Notre Dame. They'll perform well at home against Central Michigan.
Adam drops Michigan State's kickers for Nebraska's kickers
Rationale: Brett Maher has been flawless this season, and he'll have another big night against Wyoming.
The full rosters for Week 4:
THE TROMBONE SHORTIES
QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
RB: James White, Wisconsin
RB: Silas Redd, Penn State
WR: Marvin McNutt, Iowa
WR: Duwyce Wilson, Indiana
Defense: Michigan State
Kickers: Nebraska
NON-GINGERVITIS
QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: Edwin Baker, Michigan State
WR: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Penn State
Kickers: Wisconsin
IU's Duwyce Wilson talks with his play
September, 22, 2011
9/22/11
3:00
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Though only a sophomore, Duwyce Wilson came into this season looking to play the mentor role to a young group of Indiana receivers. That meant not only leading by example but also by talking more, something that does not come naturally to him.
Wilson grew up in a household where words were hardly ever spoken. Both his parents, Duwyce Sr. and Celestine Wilson, and two of his sisters are deaf. Only Duwyce Jr. and his oldest sister were born with the ability to hear.
"Our house was a lot more quiet than most," Duwyce said. "When my parents needed me, they'd bang on the floor or something like that, and you had to know it was for you. So it was a little something different."
He and his oldest sister often had to communicate for the family whenever they went out in public, whether that was needing help at a store or ordering at a restaurant.
"She's a lot better at sign language than me, so she'd do a lot of the interpreting," he said. "I can hold a conversation and understand it well enough to know what they're saying, but I can definitely get better."
Wilson is using his time at Indiana to improve his sign language skills. He is majoring in speech and hearing sciences and hopes to become an interpreter after he's done with football. He's looking forward to doing some work in that field in the near future, but he's already learned a lot from his classes.
"My mom says she definitely could tell that my signing has improved, so she's happy with me," he said. "But I'm trying to keep on improving."
He's also doing a good job of improving on the football field.
Wilson turned in a solid redshirt freshman campaign in 2010, catching 32 balls for 488 yards and three touchdowns. We named him to the ESPN.com All-Big Ten Freshman team.
He stood out during spring camp while adjusting to new coach Kevin Wilson's offense but was slowed in fall practice by a muscle strain. The 6-foot-3, 196-pounder got going in the second game of this season, and last week against South Carolina State, he had six receptions for a career-high 101 yards and a touchdown.
"He's a guy who was a little bit under the radar coming into the season," Kevin Wilson said. "He can bring some things that are very comparable to Damarlo [Belcher], so he's a nice complement to him on the outside. He's still not getting a lot of touches, but he has made a couple of big plays."
Duwyce Wilson came to IU from nearby Columbus, Ind., playing for the same high school team as current Hoosiers quarterback Dusty Kiel and his younger brother Gunner Kiel, a star quarterback recruit who has committed to Indiana. Wilson's family may not hear the roar of the crowd, but they come to every home game. Last week, they got to see the Hoosiers record their first victory of the season. The team will try to follow that up this week with its first true road game of the year at North Texas.
"People are happy we got the win," Duwyce Wilson said. "But we're hungry for more. We're still developing as a team."
With standout receivers Terrance Turner and Tandon Doss moving on from last year's team, Wilson knew he had to develop more as a player and a leader this season along with Belcher. He's doing that on the field, but he admits the talking part is still a work in progress.
"I'm trying to be more vocal," he said. "It's something I'm working on as the days go on."
Wilson grew up in a household where words were hardly ever spoken. Both his parents, Duwyce Sr. and Celestine Wilson, and two of his sisters are deaf. Only Duwyce Jr. and his oldest sister were born with the ability to hear.
"Our house was a lot more quiet than most," Duwyce said. "When my parents needed me, they'd bang on the floor or something like that, and you had to know it was for you. So it was a little something different."
He and his oldest sister often had to communicate for the family whenever they went out in public, whether that was needing help at a store or ordering at a restaurant.
"She's a lot better at sign language than me, so she'd do a lot of the interpreting," he said. "I can hold a conversation and understand it well enough to know what they're saying, but I can definitely get better."
[+] Enlarge
Michael Hickey/US PresswireIndiana's Duwyce Wilson had a breakout game aganst South Carolina State, collecting six passes for 101 yards and a score.
Michael Hickey/US PresswireIndiana's Duwyce Wilson had a breakout game aganst South Carolina State, collecting six passes for 101 yards and a score."My mom says she definitely could tell that my signing has improved, so she's happy with me," he said. "But I'm trying to keep on improving."
He's also doing a good job of improving on the football field.
Wilson turned in a solid redshirt freshman campaign in 2010, catching 32 balls for 488 yards and three touchdowns. We named him to the ESPN.com All-Big Ten Freshman team.
He stood out during spring camp while adjusting to new coach Kevin Wilson's offense but was slowed in fall practice by a muscle strain. The 6-foot-3, 196-pounder got going in the second game of this season, and last week against South Carolina State, he had six receptions for a career-high 101 yards and a touchdown.
"He's a guy who was a little bit under the radar coming into the season," Kevin Wilson said. "He can bring some things that are very comparable to Damarlo [Belcher], so he's a nice complement to him on the outside. He's still not getting a lot of touches, but he has made a couple of big plays."
Duwyce Wilson came to IU from nearby Columbus, Ind., playing for the same high school team as current Hoosiers quarterback Dusty Kiel and his younger brother Gunner Kiel, a star quarterback recruit who has committed to Indiana. Wilson's family may not hear the roar of the crowd, but they come to every home game. Last week, they got to see the Hoosiers record their first victory of the season. The team will try to follow that up this week with its first true road game of the year at North Texas.
"People are happy we got the win," Duwyce Wilson said. "But we're hungry for more. We're still developing as a team."
With standout receivers Terrance Turner and Tandon Doss moving on from last year's team, Wilson knew he had to develop more as a player and a leader this season along with Belcher. He's doing that on the field, but he admits the talking part is still a work in progress.
"I'm trying to be more vocal," he said. "It's something I'm working on as the days go on."
Indiana polishes off first win of season
September, 17, 2011
9/17/11
7:48
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Kevin Wilson has his first win as a Big Ten head coach, and Indiana finally is in the victory column.
Let's take a quick look.
Indiana 38, South Carolina State 21: After Indiana surged to a comfortable halftime lead, things got a bit interesting in the second half. But Ed Wright-Baker wasn’t going to let this one slip away. The Hoosiers' sophomore quarterback tossed a 40-yard scoring pass to Kofi Hughes in the fourth quarter to seal the team’s first win of the season. Wright-Baker, whose late fumble led to last week’s heart-breaking loss to Virginia, responded today with 273 pass yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 27 passing. Duwyce Wilson (6 catches, 101 yards, TD) had a very nice performance on the perimeter. Perhaps more encouraging, Indiana's run attack showed some signs of life as D'Angelo Roberts racked up 102 rush yards and a touchdown. The defense still needs work, but the offense has to feel a bit more confident coming out of this one.
Let's take a quick look.
Indiana 38, South Carolina State 21: After Indiana surged to a comfortable halftime lead, things got a bit interesting in the second half. But Ed Wright-Baker wasn’t going to let this one slip away. The Hoosiers' sophomore quarterback tossed a 40-yard scoring pass to Kofi Hughes in the fourth quarter to seal the team’s first win of the season. Wright-Baker, whose late fumble led to last week’s heart-breaking loss to Virginia, responded today with 273 pass yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 27 passing. Duwyce Wilson (6 catches, 101 yards, TD) had a very nice performance on the perimeter. Perhaps more encouraging, Indiana's run attack showed some signs of life as D'Angelo Roberts racked up 102 rush yards and a touchdown. The defense still needs work, but the offense has to feel a bit more confident coming out of this one.Quick starts for Minnesota, Indiana
September, 17, 2011
9/17/11
4:42
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
The Big Ten's only remaining winless teams look like they're ready to peel off that label.
Both Minnesota and Indiana are off to strong starts in their matchups today against Miami (Ohio) and South Carolina State, respectively.
Both teams have to be encouraged by the play of their quarterbacks so far.
Gophers junior Marqueis Gray has completed 8 of his first 9 attempts for 146 passing yards to go along with 39 rush yards. Gray has led three scoring drives as Minnesota finally is off to a strong start and leads 13-3.
Indiana's Ed Wright-Baker has dissected his FCS opponent, completing 12 of his first 14 pass attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown. Duwyce Wilson already is having a big day with three catches for 78 yards and a score, and Indiana is getting a bit of a jolt from its sputtering ground game.
The Hoosiers have jumped ahead to a 21-7 lead.
Both Minnesota and Indiana are off to strong starts in their matchups today against Miami (Ohio) and South Carolina State, respectively.
Both teams have to be encouraged by the play of their quarterbacks so far.
Gophers junior Marqueis Gray has completed 8 of his first 9 attempts for 146 passing yards to go along with 39 rush yards. Gray has led three scoring drives as Minnesota finally is off to a strong start and leads 13-3.
Indiana's Ed Wright-Baker has dissected his FCS opponent, completing 12 of his first 14 pass attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown. Duwyce Wilson already is having a big day with three catches for 78 yards and a score, and Indiana is getting a bit of a jolt from its sputtering ground game.
The Hoosiers have jumped ahead to a 21-7 lead.
Big Ten Labor Day personnel roundup
September, 5, 2011
9/05/11
5:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
The blog is lighter than normal during the Labor Day holiday, but Big Ten teams remain hard at work.
Here are a few personnel nuggets revealed today around the league:
NEBRASKA
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said linebacker Will Compton is day-to-day with a foot injury but has no structural damage. Compton missed the first five games of last season with a foot ailment. Pelini also said star cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (pulled leg muscle) is improving and getting closer to a return. I'd expect to see Dennard on the field Week 3 against Washington, at the latest.
MICHIGAN
Michigan should be close to full strength for its prime time showdown against Notre Dame. Top cornerback Troy Woolfolk, who suffered a left ankle injury on kickoff coverage against Western Michigan, should be ready for the Irish, coach Brady Hoke said. Woolfolk missed all of last season with a dislocated right ankle. Linebacker Cam Gordon (back) also is expected to return. Freshman Jake Ryan performed well in Gordon's spot against Western. Left guard Ricky Barnum is back this week from a suspension, but he'll compete with Michael Schofield for the starting job in practice.
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin starting left guard Travis Frederick likely will miss this week's game against Oregon State after suffering a slight MCL sprain in the opener. Sophomore Ryan Groy is listed as the starter in place of Frederick. The Badgers should get receiver Manasseh Garner (hernia surgery) back for the Beavers. Backup quarterback Jon Budmayr underwent surgery Friday to relieve a nerve problem in his throwing arm. His return is uncertain. "It could be two weeks, it could be two months," coach Bret Bielema said.
NORTHWESTERN
As I tweeted Sunday, quarterback Kain Colter is fine after undergoing precautionary X-rays following the win against Boston College. Expect Colter to start again in place of Dan Persa this week against Eastern Illinois. The Wildcats will be without starting defensive tackle Jack DiNardo (leg). Sophomore Will Hampton and freshman Chance Carter will compete to fill DiNardo's spot.
INDIANA
Ed Wright-Baker is listed as the No. 1 quarterback for this week's game against Virginia. No surprise there, as Wright-Baker delivered a solid effort in his first career start and wasn't the reason why IU lost to Ball State. Two starters, linebacker Leon Beckum and right tackle Josh Hager, aren't listed on the depth chart following injuries in the opener. Junior Lee Rose is listed as the starting weak-side linebacker, while veteran offensive lineman Justin Pagan shifts from guard to tackle. Receiver Duwyce Wilson and tight end Ted Bolser both aren't listed on the depth chart again as they deal with injuries.
IOWA
Jason White will be the No. 2 running back this week after the season-ending injury to freshman Mika'il McCall. Sophomore defensive tackle Dominic Alvis has leapfrogged Thomas Nardo into a starting spot, while defensive tackle Carl Davis isn't listed on the depth chart because of an injury.
Here are a few personnel nuggets revealed today around the league:
NEBRASKA
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said linebacker Will Compton is day-to-day with a foot injury but has no structural damage. Compton missed the first five games of last season with a foot ailment. Pelini also said star cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (pulled leg muscle) is improving and getting closer to a return. I'd expect to see Dennard on the field Week 3 against Washington, at the latest.
MICHIGAN
Michigan should be close to full strength for its prime time showdown against Notre Dame. Top cornerback Troy Woolfolk, who suffered a left ankle injury on kickoff coverage against Western Michigan, should be ready for the Irish, coach Brady Hoke said. Woolfolk missed all of last season with a dislocated right ankle. Linebacker Cam Gordon (back) also is expected to return. Freshman Jake Ryan performed well in Gordon's spot against Western. Left guard Ricky Barnum is back this week from a suspension, but he'll compete with Michael Schofield for the starting job in practice.
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin starting left guard Travis Frederick likely will miss this week's game against Oregon State after suffering a slight MCL sprain in the opener. Sophomore Ryan Groy is listed as the starter in place of Frederick. The Badgers should get receiver Manasseh Garner (hernia surgery) back for the Beavers. Backup quarterback Jon Budmayr underwent surgery Friday to relieve a nerve problem in his throwing arm. His return is uncertain. "It could be two weeks, it could be two months," coach Bret Bielema said.
NORTHWESTERN
As I tweeted Sunday, quarterback Kain Colter is fine after undergoing precautionary X-rays following the win against Boston College. Expect Colter to start again in place of Dan Persa this week against Eastern Illinois. The Wildcats will be without starting defensive tackle Jack DiNardo (leg). Sophomore Will Hampton and freshman Chance Carter will compete to fill DiNardo's spot.
INDIANA
Ed Wright-Baker is listed as the No. 1 quarterback for this week's game against Virginia. No surprise there, as Wright-Baker delivered a solid effort in his first career start and wasn't the reason why IU lost to Ball State. Two starters, linebacker Leon Beckum and right tackle Josh Hager, aren't listed on the depth chart following injuries in the opener. Junior Lee Rose is listed as the starting weak-side linebacker, while veteran offensive lineman Justin Pagan shifts from guard to tackle. Receiver Duwyce Wilson and tight end Ted Bolser both aren't listed on the depth chart again as they deal with injuries.
IOWA
Jason White will be the No. 2 running back this week after the season-ending injury to freshman Mika'il McCall. Sophomore defensive tackle Dominic Alvis has leapfrogged Thomas Nardo into a starting spot, while defensive tackle Carl Davis isn't listed on the depth chart because of an injury.
Indiana releases Week 1 depth chart
August, 29, 2011
8/29/11
1:29
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Indiana has released its depth chart for Saturday's season opener against Ball State. Not surprisingly, the chart includes co-starters at quarterback in Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker. The sophomores have been competing for the job with true freshman Tre Roberson, who isn't listed on the two-deep.
Some other notes:
Some interesting stuff here. Youth will be served this season in Bloomington as 14 true freshmen or redshirt freshmen appear on the depth chart.
Some other notes:
- Two likely starters, wide receiver Duwyce Wilson and tight end Ted Bolser, aren't listed on the depth chart. Both have been battling injuries during camp. Senior Dre Muhammad is listed as the starter in Wilson's spot ahead of freshman Shane Wynn, while senior Max Dedmond will start at tight end.
- Redshirt freshman Matt Perez, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, is listed as the No. 1 running back ahead of Stephen Houston. Junior Darius Willis is suspended for the opener for conduct detrimental to the team.
- Redshirt freshman Ryan Phillis is listed as a starter at defensive end ahead of veteran Fred Jones. He'll play opposite Darius Johnson. Indiana seems to have some good depth at the defensive tackle position.
- Another redshirt freshman, Chase Hoobler, has secured a starting job for the opener at strong-side linebacker. He'll join senior linebackers Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum in the starting lineup.
- No major surprises in the starting secondary as sophomores Lawrence Barnett and Greg Heban are listed as the top corners and fifth-year seniors Chris Adkins and Jarrell Drane are listed as the No. 1 safeties.
- Wynn and Perez are listed as the top kick returners, as Indiana must replace the dynamic Tandon Doss on special teams.
Some interesting stuff here. Youth will be served this season in Bloomington as 14 true freshmen or redshirt freshmen appear on the depth chart.
Indiana's Hughes fulfills need for speed
August, 18, 2011
8/18/11
4:30
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Kofi Hughes doesn't hesitate when asked what element he brings to Indiana's receiving corps.
"My breakaway speed," the sophomore recently told ESPN.com. "When I get the ball, I'm not running for the first down or the extra yard. I'm running to score every time."
Hughes' speed could come in handy for the Hoosiers, who once again look well stocked at the receiver position but need more touchdowns from the group. Indiana lost top touchdown scorer Tandon Doss (7 TDs in 2010) to the NFL draft, and while No. 1 returnee Damarlo Belcher led the Big Ten with 78 receptions in 2010, only four went for touchdowns.
Belcher is expected to anchor IU's passing attack this year along with Duwyce Wilson, who started four games as a redshirt freshman last fall and recorded 32 receptions for 488 yards. Hughes, one of two true freshmen to play in 2010, provides another exciting option.
"My role’s just as important as Damarlo's or Duwyce's or anybody else who's out there on the field," said Hughes, who recorded seven catches last fall and blossomed during spring practice. "When it's my time to get the ball, I need to be a playmaker. I've always seen myself as a playmaker."
Hughes made plenty of plays as a quarterback for Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. As a senior in 2009, he accounted for 42 touchdowns -- 19 passing, 22 rushing, 1 receiving -- and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in the state.
While he loved calling signals, Hughes knew his future would be at receiver. He credits Doss for working with him on route running and other areas last year.
"I was his little project," Hughes said.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hughes thinks he still must improve the way he practices and polish his game at what is still a relatively new position. With an unproven quarterback moving into a starting role -- Dusty Kiel, Edward Wright-Baker and Tre Roberson continue to compete -- Indiana needs its receivers to once again be a strength.
The Hoosiers have produced first-team All-Big Ten wideouts in three of the past four seasons with Doss (2009, 2010) and James Hardy (2007).
"We get down to business," Hughes said. "The receivers at Indiana have spoken for themselves in the past five years or so. Being a receiver at IU, there's a lot that comes with that."
Hughes is ready to embrace it and continue the tradition this season.
"My breakaway speed," the sophomore recently told ESPN.com. "When I get the ball, I'm not running for the first down or the extra yard. I'm running to score every time."
Hughes' speed could come in handy for the Hoosiers, who once again look well stocked at the receiver position but need more touchdowns from the group. Indiana lost top touchdown scorer Tandon Doss (7 TDs in 2010) to the NFL draft, and while No. 1 returnee Damarlo Belcher led the Big Ten with 78 receptions in 2010, only four went for touchdowns.
[+] Enlarge
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesKofi Hughes wants to be next in the line of All-Big Ten wideouts from Indiana.
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesKofi Hughes wants to be next in the line of All-Big Ten wideouts from Indiana."My role’s just as important as Damarlo's or Duwyce's or anybody else who's out there on the field," said Hughes, who recorded seven catches last fall and blossomed during spring practice. "When it's my time to get the ball, I need to be a playmaker. I've always seen myself as a playmaker."
Hughes made plenty of plays as a quarterback for Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. As a senior in 2009, he accounted for 42 touchdowns -- 19 passing, 22 rushing, 1 receiving -- and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in the state.
While he loved calling signals, Hughes knew his future would be at receiver. He credits Doss for working with him on route running and other areas last year.
"I was his little project," Hughes said.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hughes thinks he still must improve the way he practices and polish his game at what is still a relatively new position. With an unproven quarterback moving into a starting role -- Dusty Kiel, Edward Wright-Baker and Tre Roberson continue to compete -- Indiana needs its receivers to once again be a strength.
The Hoosiers have produced first-team All-Big Ten wideouts in three of the past four seasons with Doss (2009, 2010) and James Hardy (2007).
"We get down to business," Hughes said. "The receivers at Indiana have spoken for themselves in the past five years or so. Being a receiver at IU, there's a lot that comes with that."
Hughes is ready to embrace it and continue the tradition this season.
The fresh faces series marches on with Indiana, as we take a look at three players pegged to take on bigger roles this season. These are incoming freshmen, redshirt freshmen, transfers or returnees who should see their playing time increase when the games begin.
OFFENSE: Kofi Hughes, WR, sophomore, 6-2, 205
Hughes really impressed me during a practice this spring, making several big plays for a fast-paced IU offense. One of only two true freshmen to see the field in 2010, Hughes recorded seven receptions for 47 yards, number that should increase substantially this season. The former high school quarterback brings good speed to a receiving corps that already has plenty of size with Damarlo Belcher and Duwyce Wilson. Hughes will give Indiana's new starting quarterback another dynamic option in the passing game.
DEFENSE: Lawrence Barnett, CB, sophomore, 5-10, 191
Barnett moved from safety to cornerback during spring ball and had an impressive session, recording a pick-six in the spring game and making plays in other scrimmages. He appeared in nine games last fall, recording five tackles, but some wondered why he didn't play more as Indiana once again struggled to defend the pass. Indiana returns only one starter in the secondary (safety Donnell Jones), so Barnett should have a much bigger role this fall.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Adam Pines, P, junior, 6-0, 184
Pines handled the punting duties in Indiana's final four games of 2010 and averaged 40.2 yards on 12 attempts, but his role will grow this season following the offseason departure of Chris Hagerup. Pines placed three attempts inside the opponents' 20-yard line last season and showed a decent leg with several punts of 40 yards or longer.
More Fresh Faces
OFFENSE: Kofi Hughes, WR, sophomore, 6-2, 205
Hughes really impressed me during a practice this spring, making several big plays for a fast-paced IU offense. One of only two true freshmen to see the field in 2010, Hughes recorded seven receptions for 47 yards, number that should increase substantially this season. The former high school quarterback brings good speed to a receiving corps that already has plenty of size with Damarlo Belcher and Duwyce Wilson. Hughes will give Indiana's new starting quarterback another dynamic option in the passing game.
DEFENSE: Lawrence Barnett, CB, sophomore, 5-10, 191
Barnett moved from safety to cornerback during spring ball and had an impressive session, recording a pick-six in the spring game and making plays in other scrimmages. He appeared in nine games last fall, recording five tackles, but some wondered why he didn't play more as Indiana once again struggled to defend the pass. Indiana returns only one starter in the secondary (safety Donnell Jones), so Barnett should have a much bigger role this fall.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Adam Pines, P, junior, 6-0, 184
Pines handled the punting duties in Indiana's final four games of 2010 and averaged 40.2 yards on 12 attempts, but his role will grow this season following the offseason departure of Chris Hagerup. Pines placed three attempts inside the opponents' 20-yard line last season and showed a decent leg with several punts of 40 yards or longer.
More Fresh Faces
Q&A with Indiana's Kevin Wilson, Part II
July, 8, 2011
7/08/11
10:15
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Here's the second part of my conversation with Indiana coach Kevin Wilson. You can read Part I here.
What is your plan for the the quarterback situation? Do you expect to name a starter early in camp, or closer to the opener?
Kevin Wilson: Performance will dictate that. We don't need a revolving door where we just keep trying guys, or guys feel like as soon they make a bad play they're out. If we do make a decision and go with one guy, you want that guy to have self-confidence and know if he does go out and is a little off one day, he won't be looking over his shoulder the whole time. We've got to wait and see how they perform. We did go through spring with four guys getting a bunch of reps. We will add freshman Tre Roberson into the mix and see where he is. He was Mr. Football in Indiana, though it's a tough position to walk in as a freshman.
We've got to be careful in not trying to be so fair in our evaluation that we don't develop the right guys. So there has to be a point in time where, whether we name a starter or not, that we do pare it down and get a direction, so the guys who are going to be playing get the bulk of the practice reps and keep honing in and improving their game.
The position that really seems to stand out on your roster is receiver. Damarlo Belcher was just named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, for example. How good do you feel about that group?
KW: I really like them. They were learning in the spring to go hard every day and play up to their potential. I actually think they're more talented than maybe they've played. They're comparable to a lot of the kids I had at Oklahoma. And the tight ends group complements them very well. So the quarterbacks will have some good skill kids around them. If we take care of the ball and get some consistent line play, we should be a team that has a chance offensively to score some points.
The receiver position, it's solid. It needs to be a strength of our team. I think we can go about five or six deep, and we'll throw a couple of freshmen in the mix that we're intrigued by. I thought in the spring, Kofi Hughes was really good in some scrimmages. He needs to be a better and more consistent practice player every day, but in the scrimmages he stuck out. Damarlo led the Big Ten in receptions last year. I really like Duwyce Wilson, a sophomore who's coming on strong. Jamonne Chester came on strong. Dre Muhammad is a slot kid who had a nice spring.
Then we have some freshmen we'll get in the mix. Shane Wynn is a small kid, but he's quick and fast. Cody Latimer is a big kid out of Dayton who might be the best athlete of the whole class. I think that group walks out there and is maybe one of the best groups on the team.
Obviously, the defense has been a sore spot for some time. What did you see from that side of the ball this spring, and how can it get better this summer?
KW: I didn't go back and study the past, but stats-wise and numbers-wise, it didn't look like we played great defense last year. I thought from where we started this spring to where we finished was good. I liked that there was some give and take between the offense and the defense -- there were some days in practice where the defense definitely had the edge. I'd actually like to see the defense pick it up and be a little bit more in control and steady every day.
I think we're going to be decent inside at defensive tackle, where we'll play four or five guys and maybe even a couple of freshmen. The defensive ends, I'd like to see those guys pick up their presence. Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum are captain-type players for us at linebacker. We need a third 'backer to come through and some depth at 'backer. We might have to play some young guys there because we've got some second- and third-year guys who need to pick things up.
And in the back end, we need more consistent play. We need to start playing better. We made some changes in the scheme and structure of how we do things, so maybe that will hep. The bottom line is, you've got to be able to run, you've got to be able to tackle, you've got to be able to to cover, you've got to be able to make adjustments with checks. And you've got to mentally be a smart player.
We've got to play faster in the secondary. That doesn't mean just putting in a new player because his 40 time is faster. There are a lot of really good DBs who don't have great speed, but they're great technicians. Their knowledge is unbelievable, they've got great anticipation and they're great students.
Have you decided whether you will call plays this year?
KW: We'll go through the preseason and figure it out. I'm leery sometimes, because there's so much going on on the field, of what you can and can't do. We've got enough going on now with getting up to speed in recruiting and getting some families relocated and some things around here with our facilities and dressing up our building. We'll have to sit down and iron some things out.
But I was very comfortable in the spring. I did some of those things, and I had [assistant coaches] Kevin [Johns] and Rod [Smith] do some of those things. I think we'll collectively do it as a group, then in time determine maybe who makes the final call, whether it's myself or one of those guys, as the season approaches.
Lastly, you're opening at Lucas Oil Stadium this year, site of course of the Big Ten championship game. How does that help the program, and do you foresee more games there in the future?
KW: Well, it's Ball State's home game. For us, I'm not big on taking home games away from our place, just because of the fans and students and what it means economically. I am excited for our fan base that does travel from Iowa or Indianapolis or from the Northwest or Northeast corners of our state. And I do think it's kind of neat playing a game in a pro stadium. But I don't know if I would want to take a home game away from our campus.
What is your plan for the the quarterback situation? Do you expect to name a starter early in camp, or closer to the opener?
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Darron CummingsNew Indiana coach Kevin Wilson is excited about some of the players his staff inherits.
AP Photo/Darron CummingsNew Indiana coach Kevin Wilson is excited about some of the players his staff inherits.We've got to be careful in not trying to be so fair in our evaluation that we don't develop the right guys. So there has to be a point in time where, whether we name a starter or not, that we do pare it down and get a direction, so the guys who are going to be playing get the bulk of the practice reps and keep honing in and improving their game.
The position that really seems to stand out on your roster is receiver. Damarlo Belcher was just named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, for example. How good do you feel about that group?
KW: I really like them. They were learning in the spring to go hard every day and play up to their potential. I actually think they're more talented than maybe they've played. They're comparable to a lot of the kids I had at Oklahoma. And the tight ends group complements them very well. So the quarterbacks will have some good skill kids around them. If we take care of the ball and get some consistent line play, we should be a team that has a chance offensively to score some points.
The receiver position, it's solid. It needs to be a strength of our team. I think we can go about five or six deep, and we'll throw a couple of freshmen in the mix that we're intrigued by. I thought in the spring, Kofi Hughes was really good in some scrimmages. He needs to be a better and more consistent practice player every day, but in the scrimmages he stuck out. Damarlo led the Big Ten in receptions last year. I really like Duwyce Wilson, a sophomore who's coming on strong. Jamonne Chester came on strong. Dre Muhammad is a slot kid who had a nice spring.
Then we have some freshmen we'll get in the mix. Shane Wynn is a small kid, but he's quick and fast. Cody Latimer is a big kid out of Dayton who might be the best athlete of the whole class. I think that group walks out there and is maybe one of the best groups on the team.
Obviously, the defense has been a sore spot for some time. What did you see from that side of the ball this spring, and how can it get better this summer?
KW: I didn't go back and study the past, but stats-wise and numbers-wise, it didn't look like we played great defense last year. I thought from where we started this spring to where we finished was good. I liked that there was some give and take between the offense and the defense -- there were some days in practice where the defense definitely had the edge. I'd actually like to see the defense pick it up and be a little bit more in control and steady every day.
I think we're going to be decent inside at defensive tackle, where we'll play four or five guys and maybe even a couple of freshmen. The defensive ends, I'd like to see those guys pick up their presence. Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum are captain-type players for us at linebacker. We need a third 'backer to come through and some depth at 'backer. We might have to play some young guys there because we've got some second- and third-year guys who need to pick things up.
And in the back end, we need more consistent play. We need to start playing better. We made some changes in the scheme and structure of how we do things, so maybe that will hep. The bottom line is, you've got to be able to run, you've got to be able to tackle, you've got to be able to to cover, you've got to be able to make adjustments with checks. And you've got to mentally be a smart player.
We've got to play faster in the secondary. That doesn't mean just putting in a new player because his 40 time is faster. There are a lot of really good DBs who don't have great speed, but they're great technicians. Their knowledge is unbelievable, they've got great anticipation and they're great students.
Have you decided whether you will call plays this year?
KW: We'll go through the preseason and figure it out. I'm leery sometimes, because there's so much going on on the field, of what you can and can't do. We've got enough going on now with getting up to speed in recruiting and getting some families relocated and some things around here with our facilities and dressing up our building. We'll have to sit down and iron some things out.
But I was very comfortable in the spring. I did some of those things, and I had [assistant coaches] Kevin [Johns] and Rod [Smith] do some of those things. I think we'll collectively do it as a group, then in time determine maybe who makes the final call, whether it's myself or one of those guys, as the season approaches.
Lastly, you're opening at Lucas Oil Stadium this year, site of course of the Big Ten championship game. How does that help the program, and do you foresee more games there in the future?
KW: Well, it's Ball State's home game. For us, I'm not big on taking home games away from our place, just because of the fans and students and what it means economically. I am excited for our fan base that does travel from Iowa or Indianapolis or from the Northwest or Northeast corners of our state. And I do think it's kind of neat playing a game in a pro stadium. But I don't know if I would want to take a home game away from our campus.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
Brian Bennett
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
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